tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71461426348530496442023-11-16T01:01:59.915+07:00Fresh From Cate's Kitchen: Thailand EditionCatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-41175929034123408442009-06-16T18:26:00.005+07:002009-07-10T14:59:46.831+07:00A Friendly ReminderI think I may have lost some readers when I moved my blog to Wordpress (or maybe it's because I was on the road, so there weren't any new recipes being posted). But, if you haven't seen the NEW (well, it's not even that new anymore) <a href="http://catesworldkitchen.com">Cate's World Kitchen</a>, I suggest you check it out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SjeCXqxnyTI/AAAAAAAABzM/0a8lCG-8mFU/s1600-h/Blogbanner2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 135px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SjeCXqxnyTI/AAAAAAAABzM/0a8lCG-8mFU/s400/Blogbanner2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347886425656772914" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've got recipes, like <a href="http://cateskitchen.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/grilled-eggplant-salad/">Grilled Eggplant Salad</a> and <a href="http://cateskitchen.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/mu-shu-tofut/">Mu Shu Tofu</a> (which was on FoodGawker!)<br /><br />I sometimes post about <a href="http://cateskitchen.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/exploring-seoul-tteokbokki-town/">new things</a> I'm seeing and doing now that I live in South Korea, but the main focus is on good, simple food. I hope you'll visit (and update your bookmarks/reader/etc)!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-25150858522833450002009-03-06T08:06:00.000+07:002009-03-07T11:38:32.633+07:00Update your Reader!Since my life has undergone a huge transformation as of late, I figured my blog should too. Fresh From Cate's Kitchen made sense as a title when I was cooking things every day, but now that I'm traveling the world, my kitchen time is extremely limited. I temporarily re-named the blog to "Cate In Thailand," but that isn't going to work for the long haul.<br /><br />I decided Cate's World Kitchen makes more sense for the kinds of posts I'm doing these days, and I'm excited to make a new header for each new place I visit. I'll be in Vietnam in about 10 days, so you'll see a new header then with pictures of Vietnamese food. After that, I'll be in Cambodia and the header will change accordingly. I hope you'll keep checking back to read about my food-centered world exploration!<br /><br />I moved my blog to Wordpress because I like the format better...but this one will still be around (plus you'll find all my old posts on the new site too!)<br /><br />Please update your Google Reader (or whatever site you use to keep track of blogs) to <a href="http://cateskitchen.wordpress.com">http://cateskitchen.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />Thanks for reading!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-61674627770844394612009-03-05T17:27:00.000+07:002009-03-07T11:39:01.646+07:00The Perfect Thai Iced CoffeeI pretty much stick to four main food groups here in Thailand: Iced Coffee, Fruit, Noodles, and Food On A Stick. Every day, I eat something from each group. I've made it my personal mission to find the best in each of these groups, and today I'm going to show you the best iced coffee in Chiang Mai. Don't try and argue - I've tried DOZENS of places and this one wins, hands down. It's also the cheapest place in the neighborhood!<div><br /></div><div>I stop by this stand every day, and after about four days, the woman who works there started to recognize me. Now she starts on my coffee as she sees me approaching. Here's how the perfect beverage is concocted:</div><div><br /></div><div>First, she puts a spoon full of sugar and a spoon full of creamer into a small glass.<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEt5TxoM4I/AAAAAAAABSE/czefA5jq92I/s1600-h/IMG_5573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEt5TxoM4I/AAAAAAAABSE/czefA5jq92I/s400/IMG_5573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305572298603377538" /></a><br />Then, she pours Thai coffee into the glass. A lot of places make their iced coffee with regular brewed coffee, or worse, Nescafe, but this is the real stuff. It's made from oliang powder, which is coffee mixed with a little bit of sesame and corn, poured through a muslin filter.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEt5O8envI/AAAAAAAABR8/WvaB0_rLc9w/s1600-h/IMG_5574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEt5O8envI/AAAAAAAABR8/WvaB0_rLc9w/s400/IMG_5574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305572297306709746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqauYdPRI/AAAAAAAABR0/CZvzKMcQp08/s1600-h/IMG_5575.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqauYdPRI/AAAAAAAABR0/CZvzKMcQp08/s400/IMG_5575.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305568474634730770" /></a>Once the coffee is in the glass, she stirs it well to dissolve the sugar and creamer. Then she adds a generous spoonful of sweetened condensed milk and stirs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqaAzvoEI/AAAAAAAABRs/bWMjtVLp700/s1600-h/IMG_5576.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqaAzvoEI/AAAAAAAABRs/bWMjtVLp700/s400/IMG_5576.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305568462401151042" /></a>She fills a tall plastic cup with ice, and pours some evaporated milk over the top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqZuVBSMI/AAAAAAAABRk/pLgNwVi2RAY/s1600-h/IMG_5577.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqZuVBSMI/AAAAAAAABRk/pLgNwVi2RAY/s400/IMG_5577.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305568457440446658" /></a>Then, she pours the coffee mixture into the plastic cup that has the ice and evaporated milk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqZdOv1cI/AAAAAAAABRc/aa1iNnbS8qY/s1600-h/IMG_5578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqZdOv1cI/AAAAAAAABRc/aa1iNnbS8qY/s400/IMG_5578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305568452850734530" /></a>And there it is...the perfect Thai Iced Coffee!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqYxwGJ5I/AAAAAAAABRU/Z34VgcaqMvY/s1600-h/IMG_5579.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEqYxwGJ5I/AAAAAAAABRU/Z34VgcaqMvY/s400/IMG_5579.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305568441179449234" /></a><br /></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-56190195947388713422009-03-04T18:39:00.001+07:002009-03-04T18:39:00.344+07:00Thai Cooking Class: Part 2Of course the best part of the cooking class was the actual cooking! It was kind of a challenge to get good pictures because it was a little dark in the kitchen...but here are the highlights!<div><br /></div><div>We started off with Tom Yam - the popular and delicious hot and sour soup of Thailand. In order to be called Tom Yam, it MUST have Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and lemongrass. After that, it's pretty much up to you, but without those three things, it's a different soup. I also have some chiles in mine...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayFkTDAr0I/AAAAAAAABfA/O7KqnBDj8aE/s1600-h/IMG_5667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayFkTDAr0I/AAAAAAAABfA/O7KqnBDj8aE/s400/IMG_5667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764919397658434" /></a>Add the vegetables (you can add whatever you want; I used Chinese kale, Napa cabbage, baby corn, mushrooms, carrot, and tomato)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayFkB-91MI/AAAAAAAABe4/qZj3LOJ-SEk/s1600-h/IMG_5669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayFkB-91MI/AAAAAAAABe4/qZj3LOJ-SEk/s400/IMG_5669.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764914817291458" /></a>Stir in some Tom Yam paste (which is made from chiles, lemongrass, cilantro, sugar, lime leaves, and galangal). You can make the past or buy it pre-made in a jar.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayFkFQBEQI/AAAAAAAABew/qC04uLn5wRY/s1600-h/IMG_5677.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayFkFQBEQI/AAAAAAAABew/qC04uLn5wRY/s400/IMG_5677.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764915694113026" /></a>That's all it takes for basic tom yam. You can also stir in just a tablespoon of coconut milk, and it changes it into a creamier, heartier soup.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvhp4DhI/AAAAAAAABeo/PDekkeTvoOk/s1600-h/IMG_5681.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 365px; height: 500px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvhp4DhI/AAAAAAAABeo/PDekkeTvoOk/s400/IMG_5681.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764012785700370" /></a>Delicious!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvVgvfcI/AAAAAAAABeg/Nf6INmNu3-U/s1600-h/IMG_5686.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvVgvfcI/AAAAAAAABeg/Nf6INmNu3-U/s400/IMG_5686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764009526164930" /></a>Next, we made vegetable stir fry with cashews. It was just a basic vegetable stir fry, flavored with a little sugar, golden mountain sauce, and soy sauce, and we added toasted cashews at the end.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvJI0qCI/AAAAAAAABeY/FFcLlVvDX7c/s1600-h/IMG_5702.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvJI0qCI/AAAAAAAABeY/FFcLlVvDX7c/s400/IMG_5702.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764006204614690" /></a>Massaman curry is my absolute favorite. It has red curry paste and curry powder, so it's a fusion of Thai and Indian flavors. It's often made with beef and potatoes, but since this was a vegetarian class, we just used the potatoes and some tofu.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvDfVgyI/AAAAAAAABeQ/KckHTnCkF6w/s1600-h/IMG_5711.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEvDfVgyI/AAAAAAAABeQ/KckHTnCkF6w/s400/IMG_5711.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764004688429858" /></a>We made a lot of food and took a lot of notes! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEu_cynKI/AAAAAAAABeI/AC7hVGhDNVs/s1600-h/IMG_5727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayEu_cynKI/AAAAAAAABeI/AC7hVGhDNVs/s400/IMG_5727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308764003604012194" /></a>Green curry with sweet potato. This steamed up my camera lens!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDfgGh0wI/AAAAAAAABeA/irDKquIH7rw/s1600-h/IMG_5736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDfgGh0wI/AAAAAAAABeA/irDKquIH7rw/s400/IMG_5736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308762637979472642" /></a>Fresh spring rolls. I love these! The wrappers were basically huge squares of noodles - just not cut up. They were much easier to work with than the dry wrappers I usually get. We also made a fabulous peanut sauce to dip these in (with coconut milk, red curry paste, tomatoes, and ground peanuts - it was some of the best peanut sauce I've ever had, and I've tried MANY recipes!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDfIB11pI/AAAAAAAABd4/qdC2TG6ryek/s1600-h/IMG_5769.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDfIB11pI/AAAAAAAABd4/qdC2TG6ryek/s400/IMG_5769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308762631517361810" /></a>My beloved Som Tham! First, you crush up some garlic, fresh hot chiles, peanuts, lime juice, and sugar in this HUGE mortar and pestle. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDewaRdZI/AAAAAAAABdw/tOIDTqmdGZI/s1600-h/IMG_5776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 373px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDewaRdZI/AAAAAAAABdw/tOIDTqmdGZI/s400/IMG_5776.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308762625177384338" /></a>Then you add some pieces of long bean and slices of tomato and pound some more.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDejNNePI/AAAAAAAABdo/MakBp1gLne0/s1600-h/IMG_5779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDejNNePI/AAAAAAAABdo/MakBp1gLne0/s400/IMG_5779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308762621632936178" /></a>Finally, you add shredded carrot and shredded green papaya, stir it all up, put it on a plate, and top with peanuts!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDesfhoMI/AAAAAAAABdg/2zEmxz_JcQA/s1600-h/IMG_5790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SayDesfhoMI/AAAAAAAABdg/2zEmxz_JcQA/s400/IMG_5790.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308762624125673666" /></a>I am VERY excited to make some of these dishes in my own kitchen, whenever I end up living in a place that has one!</div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-36116151296380459572009-03-02T18:15:00.004+07:002009-03-03T23:51:26.553+07:00Cooking Schools In Chiang Mai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/Sa1fufHisLI/AAAAAAAABf8/G01xJSZt6t8/s1600-h/IMG_5797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/Sa1fufHisLI/AAAAAAAABf8/G01xJSZt6t8/s400/IMG_5797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309004787971436722" /></a><br /><br />Taking a cooking class is an incredibly popular activity in Chiang Mai. Every tourist office (where you can book tickets, excursions, classes, etc) has advertisements for cooking schools, and there are probably 20 cooking schools in town. <div><br /></div><div>If you're looking for a great class, skip the tourist offices and contact schools directly. They are easy to find on Google, and a lot of them distribute brochures to guest houses and restaurants around the city.<br /> Ask them who will be teaching the class and the experience they have, how many students are typically in the class, and how many different recipes you'll be making. Steer clear of classes with more than about 5 students. I've seen HUGE classes go to the markets, and it doesn't look like you learn much of anything.</div><div><br />The girl I was meeting suggested <a href="http://maykaidee.com/">May Kaidee's</a>, because she's vegetarian and loves the restaurant (there are branches in Chiang Mai and Bangkok). The class was a little bit more expensive than some of the others, but we got to make 12 different dishes, and because there were only 3 people in the class, we could all ask a bunch of questions and have them answered. I enjoyed the class, but unfortunately don't have anything to compare it to.<br />If I were going to take another class, I would seriously consider <a href="http://www.alotofthai.com/indek_table.html">A Lot of Thai</a> because I've heard great things about it.<br /></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-22502973326733079902009-03-01T09:14:00.001+07:002009-03-01T09:14:00.337+07:00Thai Cooking Class: Part 1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When you travel, the world seems to get a lot smaller. It's amazing how common it is to bump into acquaintances or friends of friends, even in far-flung locales thousands of miles from home. It turned out that a friend of a friend from college was going to Thailand right around the same time I was. She ended up in the south, and I ended up in the north, but this week she happened to be traveling around Chiang Mai, and we took a cooking class together.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I have been complaining about our lack of a kitchen since the day we got here, so I was overjoyed to be cooking again. I got to spend about 5 hours learning how to make all sorts of great Thai dishes! The class was great because there were only three students, so we got plenty of individual attention from the teacher, a fun and energetic woman named Duan. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZNd8-rI/AAAAAAAABXA/uHr8a2UveeE/s1600-h/IMG_5608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZNd8-rI/AAAAAAAABXA/uHr8a2UveeE/s400/IMG_5608.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306572302735702706" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The first hour of the class was spent walking around the market, where we were introduced to different ingredients. First, we got a look at the different chiles and learned about what they are used for. The larger ones are mild and are common in stir fries. The smaller ones are much spicier and are used in sauces and curry paste. </div><div><br /></div><div>These are fresh wheat noodles, which are used in my beloved Khow Soi<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS94J_DoOI/AAAAAAAABYY/SDphxNLmQuo/s1600-h/IMG_5645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS94J_DoOI/AAAAAAAABYY/SDphxNLmQuo/s400/IMG_5645.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306575033400008930" /></a>This is hand-pressed tofu. It's nice and firm, and I wish I could find stuff like this in California! The yellow tofu is colored with turmeric.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9M8Wch9I/AAAAAAAABYQ/d0JteJ7kEWk/s1600-h/IMG_5644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9M8Wch9I/AAAAAAAABYQ/d0JteJ7kEWk/s400/IMG_5644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306574291005638610" /></a>We bought a bunch of vegetables to use in the class:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MvByY3I/AAAAAAAABYI/Mplu8S8nZ88/s1600-h/IMG_5623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MvByY3I/AAAAAAAABYI/Mplu8S8nZ88/s400/IMG_5623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306574287429329778" /></a>Here, Duan explains different rices. White basmati rice is most common, but there are also brown and red varieties. Sticky rice can be either black or white. A lot of people buy sticky rice in Thailand and don't understand why it doesn't work when they try to cook it. Apparently it has to soak overnight first.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MW2LQcI/AAAAAAAABYA/YgAcFYXx-u4/s1600-h/IMG_5631.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MW2LQcI/AAAAAAAABYA/YgAcFYXx-u4/s400/IMG_5631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306574280938176962" /></a>Tons of spices! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MBLNkZI/AAAAAAAABX4/zxc9qphqw84/s1600-h/IMG_5626.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MBLNkZI/AAAAAAAABX4/zxc9qphqw84/s400/IMG_5626.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306574275120828818" /></a>Green papaya, jackfruit, and banana flowers (the big purple things). Green papaya gets shredded for <a href="http://cateskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/01/som-tham-and-drink-in-bag.html">som tham</a>, jackfruit is commonly used in desserts, and banana flowers are thinly sliced and used in soup or stir fry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MK0ZScI/AAAAAAAABXw/phcs9GIvQ90/s1600-h/IMG_5614.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS9MK0ZScI/AAAAAAAABXw/phcs9GIvQ90/s400/IMG_5614.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306574277709482434" /></a>Thai shallots (on the left) are much smaller than the ones typically available in the US.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZwwjvyI/AAAAAAAABXk/NnkLUNQX67M/s1600-h/IMG_5612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZwwjvyI/AAAAAAAABXk/NnkLUNQX67M/s400/IMG_5612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306572312208981794" /></a>Their garlic (on the right) is much smaller too. Fried garlic is a common garnish, and they don't peel the cloves first.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZmC4lpI/AAAAAAAABXY/K1VKtxuqh-s/s1600-h/IMG_5611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZmC4lpI/AAAAAAAABXY/K1VKtxuqh-s/s400/IMG_5611.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306572309333055122" /></a>A comparison of galangal and ginger:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7Zt-NGCI/AAAAAAAABXQ/-8mA7OORQyA/s1600-h/IMG_5610.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7Zt-NGCI/AAAAAAAABXQ/-8mA7OORQyA/s400/IMG_5610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306572311460911138" /></a>There are a few different kinds of eggplant, and they're all green: long thin ones, small green and white golf-ball sized ones (that are commonly found in green curry and some stir fries), and tiny pea-sized ones that are crunchy and incredibly bitter).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZXpx_aI/AAAAAAAABXI/Un8TzKeeKKQ/s1600-h/IMG_5609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS7ZXpx_aI/AAAAAAAABXI/Un8TzKeeKKQ/s400/IMG_5609.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306572305469668770" /></a>The markets usually have big tubs of live fish...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS94JCkC3I/AAAAAAAABYg/JfS8KFUOda0/s1600-h/IMG_5650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS94JCkC3I/AAAAAAAABYg/JfS8KFUOda0/s400/IMG_5650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306575033146280818" /></a></div>and a lot of them end up stuffed with lemongrass and grilled.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS94b295JI/AAAAAAAABYo/mX9Xg-estrc/s1600-h/IMG_5651.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaS94b295JI/AAAAAAAABYo/mX9Xg-estrc/s400/IMG_5651.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306575038197916818" /></a>Check back for another post on all the things we made!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-1641172729227689302009-02-28T11:57:00.001+07:002009-02-28T11:57:00.220+07:00Beverage Love<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Thais are serious about beverages (and with good reason - it is so hot that if you're not drinking all day long, you'll end up severely dehydrated). Along the main street in our neighborhood there are at least a dozen little stands that make coffee, tea, and other delightful drinks. Look at all the fun, colorful options here!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ46V88au5I/AAAAAAAABL0/Qb5WlplzHaE/s1600-h/IMG_5518.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ46V88au5I/AAAAAAAABL0/Qb5WlplzHaE/s400/IMG_5518.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304741559900224402" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span>This one has some coffee and a lot of tea, with Nestea being the substance of choice. I think I'll pass on that (but this stand is Mike's favorite).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaCtShXi_LI/AAAAAAAABM8/Qd9RI-GRWgE/s512/IMG_5563.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 512px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaCtShXi_LI/AAAAAAAABM8/Qd9RI-GRWgE/s512/IMG_5563.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>You can tell by the cans of Carnation milk that this stand's main focus is coffee. I don't know how many cans of evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are consumed in this country on a daily basis, but it's a huge number. I almost never see people drinking black coffee; it always has lots of milk and sugar!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaCtPfqufLI/AAAAAAAABM4/8ptWXJdMnFA/s512/IMG_5562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaCtPfqufLI/AAAAAAAABM4/8ptWXJdMnFA/s512/IMG_5562.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Before we came here, I didn't really pay attention drinks other than water (OK, and coffee, and beer - just the essentials). To me, they were a waste of calories and I would rather have something I could chew on. But then I fell in love with Thai iced coffee, and after that I figured I should give all the other drinks a chance too. Now I probably spend as much on drinks each day as I do on food (two or three dollars).</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ46V2JJQhI/AAAAAAAABLs/kptBExYGfFU/s1600-h/IMG_5514.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ46V2JJQhI/AAAAAAAABLs/kptBExYGfFU/s400/IMG_5514.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304741558074556946" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Thai iced tea with milk has a nice pretty orange color and tastes like tea with an infusion of wheat. It doesn't sound particularly pleasant, but trust me, it's good. It's really creamy and not too sweet - very refreshing on hot, humid afternoons.</div><div><br /></div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-797242741554609182009-02-25T06:07:00.002+07:002009-02-26T10:02:51.241+07:00Check out my mansion!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X6vo9NiI/AAAAAAAABL8/wFA_6JxVQtw/s1600-h/IMG_5431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X6vo9NiI/AAAAAAAABL8/wFA_6JxVQtw/s400/IMG_5431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304774077821302306" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Before we came over here, I didn't really think too much about where we would live. I was sure we'd just find an apartment or something, but I didn't really have any idea what to expect. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When Mike signed up for the TEFL course, the school recommended a hotel that rents rooms by the month. It's comfortable and close to campus, plus it has AC - what more do you need? This is a little peek at where I currently call home!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X61nDbfI/AAAAAAAABME/YoUcwO6RBKo/s1600-h/IMG_5432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X61nDbfI/AAAAAAAABME/YoUcwO6RBKo/s400/IMG_5432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304774079423933938" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>There is clearly no equivalent to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) here. The elevator only has buttons for floors 1, 3 and 5, even though there are six floors in the building. Plus, it stops on landings between floors, so wherever you get off, you have to walk up or down a half-flight of stairs to get to a floor.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X7G22DuI/AAAAAAAABMU/Mzfp7GdZa-M/s1600-h/IMG_5433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X7G22DuI/AAAAAAAABMU/Mzfp7GdZa-M/s400/IMG_5433.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304774084053569250" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I don't have any pictures of our room because it's a mess...but it has two twin beds shoved together to make a king, a TV (with a couple English channels!), a desk, and a wardrobe. The bathroom has hot water and a Western toilet (yay!) but the shower head just sticks out of the wall so you the entire bathroom gets soaked when you take a shower.</div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite part is the view off our balcony.<br /><br />This makes me feel like I'm living in the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse! (Which, by the way, I still can't believe they switched to Tarzan's Tree House...lame, Disney, very lame)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X7ejvXVI/AAAAAAAABMc/HwRBjAImPo0/s1600-h/IMG_5443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X7ejvXVI/AAAAAAAABMc/HwRBjAImPo0/s400/IMG_5443.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304774090415889746" /></a>It's really nature-y out there! So nature-y, in fact, that we hear the most bizarre bird calls and songs I've ever heard in my entire life. There's one that sounds like one of those squeaky dog toys, and another that sounds like a rusty gate closing. There are also dozens of roosters. It doesn't matter if it's 2 AM, they feel the need to serenade the world all night long! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X68gfNCI/AAAAAAAABMM/pG6KHCenN_4/s1600-h/IMG_5441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZ5X68gfNCI/AAAAAAAABMM/pG6KHCenN_4/s400/IMG_5441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304774081275442210" /></a><br />We recently discovered that the place across the street costs half as much per month, so we're moving very soon. Fortunately, we're not leaving the neighborhood because I've completely fallen in love with it!</div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-60783044895111036362009-02-22T18:09:00.004+07:002009-02-27T19:57:01.601+07:00More Noodles I Can't Live Without<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEyvWFqBiI/AAAAAAAABSM/jnE9AKbSKY4/s1600-h/IMG_5527.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SaEyvWFqBiI/AAAAAAAABSM/jnE9AKbSKY4/s400/IMG_5527.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305577624983701026" /></a>I saw a cart on our street ladling out steaming bowls of bright pinkish-red noodle soup, and asked the lady making them (in Thai!) what it was. ("What's this?" might be one of the most useful phrases I've picked up so far).<div>The answer, it turned out, was Yen Ta Fo.</div><div><br /></div><div>The unique color comes from the sauce that is stirred into the soup. It is slightly sweet and slightly tangy, and can vary in color from natural looking tomato-sauce red to almost flourescent hot pink.</div><div><br /></div><div>The soup itself has rice noodles, kale, slices of fish cake, fish balls, fried garlic, and fried wontons. It's a nice, filling lunch but it isn't too heavy. I've been trying this whenever I see a cart that makes it, and while some versions can be a little bland, I really like all the different components that are mixed in.</div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-23266974727185924142009-02-20T05:37:00.002+07:002009-03-03T09:30:19.724+07:00My new favorite noodles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZwXlATiaBI/AAAAAAAABLk/Nj7OCqZml-Y/s1600-h/IMG_5520.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZwXlATiaBI/AAAAAAAABLk/Nj7OCqZml-Y/s400/IMG_5520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304140385640146962" /></a><br /> Thai restaurants in America are keeping a secret from you, and you deserve to know what it is. This is a dish that recently replaced Pad Thai as my I-must-eat-this-at-least-once-a-day-or-I-will-suffer-painful-withdrawals meal. It’s that good.<br /> The shocking thing is, I never knew it existed. I never tried it during my previous visit to Thailand, I have never seen it on a Thai menu in the states, and I cannot figure out why it’s not served everywhere. It’s Khow Soi: a delicious, coconut-based noodle soup.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZP--5tqaoI/AAAAAAAABK8/HOosuteaW7o/s1600-h/IMG_5485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZP--5tqaoI/AAAAAAAABK8/HOosuteaW7o/s400/IMG_5485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301861542942894722" /></a><br /> Yes, there are a lot of coconut based Thai soups you have probably tried, but this one is special. First of all, the noodles are soft, yellow wheat noodles, not all that different from fettuccini. The soup features soft tangles of these, PLUS (this is where it gets good) some crispy fried ones on top: a perfect yin and yang of textures. The broth has a red curry base, so it’s a little spicy, but nothing overwhelming. The coconut milk makes it creamy and slightly sweet, and the cilantro garnish gives a nice burst of freshness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZP--5vfHoI/AAAAAAAABLE/PnQlIUR4u6k/s1600-h/IMG_5489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZP--5vfHoI/AAAAAAAABLE/PnQlIUR4u6k/s400/IMG_5489.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301861542950542978" /></a><br /> When it is served, it comes with a plate of highly unappetizing looking shriveled greens, shallots, and lime. I was definitely taken aback the first time I saw the garnishes. Shallots and lime, I can handle, but the greens had no appeal. However, when it comes to eating, I want to do what the locals do, and they put everything into the soup. So with hesitation, I did too. Trust me on this – regardless of how those greens look, they are essential! They are pickled cabbage and they add a vital tanginess to the flavor mix in the soup. You will not be disappointed!<br /> The reason I love it so much is because, like the best dishes here, it combines salty, sweet, sour, and hot flavors with a mix of textures. Each bite features these in different proportions, so you never have that “okay, this soup is nice but I’m getting bored” phenomenon that often comes with, say, canned tomato soup.<br /> Next time you a) go out for Thai food or b) come to Chiang Mai (whichever comes first), try to hunt down a bowl of this!<br /><br /></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-10080335068001389972009-02-17T03:00:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:23:58.999+07:00Fun snacksWARNING: There are photos of insect consumption in this post. If you have a weak stomach, move on!<div><br /></div><div>I probably mention in every post that I love all the food options here - the carts are plentiful and cheap, and there are always new things to try.<br /></div><div><br /></div>When I saw the insect stand at the market, I was excited. I'd already been initiated into the bug-eating club with those grubs the other day, so the only tough part here was narrowing down which to try next. <div><br /><div>Like these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq_B2Ja-I/AAAAAAAABJ4/vFLXj82kbJs/s1600-h/IMG_5450.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq_B2Ja-I/AAAAAAAABJ4/vFLXj82kbJs/s400/IMG_5450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300995129963277282" border="0" /></a>Or these (by the way, I thought mackerel was fish...):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq-xgMgfI/AAAAAAAABJw/HxkSUpCdPhw/s1600-h/IMG_5449.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq-xgMgfI/AAAAAAAABJw/HxkSUpCdPhw/s400/IMG_5449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300995125576237554" border="0" /></a>Or these:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq-pEXsrI/AAAAAAAABJo/iH8o-cKxQs4/s1600-h/IMG_5448.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq-pEXsrI/AAAAAAAABJo/iH8o-cKxQs4/s400/IMG_5448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300995123312046770" border="0" /></a></div><div>Oh hello there, grasshopper! I decided on these, because the Japanese man who was next in line told me they were his favorite. He looked like someone who knew his (edible) insects, so I trusted his judgement.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq_QDSh4I/AAAAAAAABKA/4eoEEXsX3LE/s1600-h/IMG_5456.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq_QDSh4I/AAAAAAAABKA/4eoEEXsX3LE/s400/IMG_5456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300995133776496514" border="0" /></a>The grasshoppers were nice and crunchy - excellent sprinkled with a dash of soy sauce. The only tricky part is their hind legs. They have little spikes on them that can get caught in your throat if you don't chew them completely.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq_l8c35I/AAAAAAAABKI/nxd02LEk4sc/s1600-h/IMG_5460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZDq_l8c35I/AAAAAAAABKI/nxd02LEk4sc/s400/IMG_5460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300995139653394322" border="0" /></a>I think next time, I'm going to try the crickets!</div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-3259016905250186112009-02-14T04:00:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:24:46.795+07:00Happy Valentines Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZUxoYFuP9I/AAAAAAAABLc/SniuDDkW4sM/s1600-h/IMG_5507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZUxoYFuP9I/AAAAAAAABLc/SniuDDkW4sM/s400/IMG_5507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302198706029608914" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I'm not sure how Thai people feel about Valentines Day, or if they celebrate it much, but I do know that 7-11 has had a little Valentine's display up for a few weeks with various cards and candy and hideous plush roses. Although I'm usually not a huge fan of the holiday, I couldn't resist picking up a little gift for Mike.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This card was wrapped in plastic and had a label that was entirely written in Thai, so I assumed that the writing on the card would be in Thai. I was kind of excited about that, but when I got it home and opened it up to write inside, I realized it was in English. Kind of a letdown, but I still think it's adorable.<br /><div> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZUxoA0xMCI/AAAAAAAABLU/kV9f-UUDDxY/s1600-h/IMG_5501.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZUxoA0xMCI/AAAAAAAABLU/kV9f-UUDDxY/s400/IMG_5501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302198699784482850" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I love the sentiment on this chocolate heart, but I'm not quite sure what meaning they're going for. Is it a "pick which one you mean and circle it" kind of thing? An "I love you because we're married and I don't really have a choice anymore but it's your lucky day because I like you too" message? A clarification "I love you, but I'm too scared to say it, so I tell you I like you very much but I love you is actually what I mean"? Whatever it is, I love it I like it very much!<br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZUxn_Lr1uI/AAAAAAAABLM/j6WEsXYgwR4/s1600-h/IMG_5498.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SZUxn_Lr1uI/AAAAAAAABLM/j6WEsXYgwR4/s400/IMG_5498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302198699343730402" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-88495801850322570922009-02-12T17:04:00.002+07:002009-02-22T18:25:46.783+07:00Sunday grazingSundays, when I don't have to work and Mike doesn't have class, are great days to wander around the city. We usually run across things we've never seen before, which is always fun. And because of our obsession with things food-related, we often end up grazing on street food all day long. <br /><br />On this particular Sunday, we found a Market near the mall. There was some great looking food I'd never seen before.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6vjS13v8I/AAAAAAAABIM/aKrk71O0sdk/s1600-h/IMG_5444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 193px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6vjS13v8I/AAAAAAAABIM/aKrk71O0sdk/s400/IMG_5444.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300366832349724610" /></a>On the left are some delightful little creamy custards with corn, and on the right are sweet little coconut-coverd mochi balls (I'm not sure if it really is mochi, but that's what it reminds me of).<div>Here's a better look at the corn dessert. It comes in a cute little banana leaf cup:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6zcpr6CiI/AAAAAAAABI8/AiKvdbnUsh8/s1600-h/IMG_5455.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6zcpr6CiI/AAAAAAAABI8/AiKvdbnUsh8/s400/IMG_5455.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300371116269373986" /></a>Really brightly colored desserts - I was intrigued but didn't try any...maybe next time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6vjvI7mzI/AAAAAAAABIU/HCluH3ppDKs/s1600-h/IMG_5445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6vjvI7mzI/AAAAAAAABIU/HCluH3ppDKs/s400/IMG_5445.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300366839945861938" /></a><br />Waffles are a huge deal here. In Bangkok, there's a waffle stand in every SkyTrain station. On our street, there's a cart that sells all different flavors. These come in all sorts of flavors...taro, pumpkin, shredded pork, coconut...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6zcVM8ACI/AAAAAAAABI0/9esqmJJHw3c/s1600-h/IMG_5453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6zcVM8ACI/AAAAAAAABI0/9esqmJJHw3c/s400/IMG_5453.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300371110770769954" /></a>I love these cute little banana leaf boats filled with egg and other mix-ins.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6vkXetB6I/AAAAAAAABIs/TkQV_SyrNEo/s1600-h/IMG_5452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6vkXetB6I/AAAAAAAABIs/TkQV_SyrNEo/s400/IMG_5452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300366850774599586" /></a>Our random wandering also took us to the main stage of the Flower festival, where we saw some great dancers.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6zdOr71zI/AAAAAAAABJM/uJlyWWzAku4/s1600-h/IMG_5471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY6zdOr71zI/AAAAAAAABJM/uJlyWWzAku4/s400/IMG_5471.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300371126201603890" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY_bcjdzQzI/AAAAAAAABJg/HVbZtnmYPuE/s1600-h/IMG_5478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SY_bcjdzQzI/AAAAAAAABJg/HVbZtnmYPuE/s400/IMG_5478.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300696570041418546" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the best way to see a city is just to start walking and see where you end up! What have you been surprised to find on a walk during your travels?</div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-8575742679977927422009-02-11T20:09:00.002+07:002009-02-11T20:10:13.995+07:00Same Blog, New LookI made a new banner for the blog, because I'm not excatly baking chocolate chip cookies or sauteeing carrots these days. All my old recipes are still here, though!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-29916398853608422262009-02-08T18:42:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:26:06.469+07:00My Walk Home5:30 PM on a Friday night is when this our street starts to feel really alive. I love my walk home from work, because I get to see some beautiful aspects of life in this city that I've come to love.<div><br /></div><div>Food carts start setting up around 4:30 PM, and by dinner time the entire street is lined with them. They sell all sorts of amazing food - noodles, mean on skewers, traditional Thai desserts, steamed buns, fried chicken... all for incredibly cheap!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwra5CRGgI/AAAAAAAABIE/5eJdKwjvF2Y/s1600-h/IMG_5430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwra5CRGgI/AAAAAAAABIE/5eJdKwjvF2Y/s400/IMG_5430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299658602495154690" /></a>Sunset tai chi in the park. I love it when I see this.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwraqdNNGI/AAAAAAAABH8/GAbWQeKeG2c/s1600-h/IMG_5422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwraqdNNGI/AAAAAAAABH8/GAbWQeKeG2c/s400/IMG_5422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299658598581613666" /></a>There's a surprising amount of sushi around, but it doesn't seem like it's refrigerated. Thanks but no thanks! I do not like my raw fish with a side of bacteria.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkRtdN-OI/AAAAAAAABH0/5X0fGsm9QwE/s1600-h/IMG_5429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkRtdN-OI/AAAAAAAABH0/5X0fGsm9QwE/s400/IMG_5429.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299650748186753250" /></a>Food on sticks is everywhere! This stand has a few kinds of sausages, fish balls, and whole squid. Still haven't tried the squid...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkRMdGvKI/AAAAAAAABHs/Q5CEwJ7wxnE/s1600-h/IMG_5428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkRMdGvKI/AAAAAAAABHs/Q5CEwJ7wxnE/s400/IMG_5428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299650739327909026" /></a>I love the color of the monks' robes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkQjOFJlI/AAAAAAAABHk/ML19Vx5etyo/s1600-h/IMG_5427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkQjOFJlI/AAAAAAAABHk/ML19Vx5etyo/s400/IMG_5427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299650728259036754" /></a>The scooter. A perfect family vehicle...great for grocery shopping... and I'm actually shocked at how many people are wearing helmets in this picture!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkQoPKfsI/AAAAAAAABHc/k7gJJaXNR5E/s1600-h/IMG_5426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkQoPKfsI/AAAAAAAABHc/k7gJJaXNR5E/s400/IMG_5426.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299650729605758658" /></a>Fruit. So much divine fruit. Convenient little bags of watermelon, guava, pineapple, papaya and cantaloupe... for about 30 cents!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkQYrVEwI/AAAAAAAABHU/33hINGyUaZ0/s1600-h/IMG_5424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwkQYrVEwI/AAAAAAAABHU/33hINGyUaZ0/s400/IMG_5424.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299650725428925186" /></a>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-10902603849251966372009-02-06T18:06:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:26:32.632+07:00Soup, Iced Coffee, and Nanobots<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb4ttXuYI/AAAAAAAABGs/chuhrUDudsc/s1600-h/IMG_5405.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb4ttXuYI/AAAAAAAABGs/chuhrUDudsc/s400/IMG_5405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299641522664749442" border="0" /></a><br />I said I would branch out from Phad Thai...and I guess posting that for the world (or my handful of readers) to see made me follow through! In fact, I haven't had it in at least 48 hours!<div><br /></div><div>Last night, I got a call from my boss. </div><div>"Catherine, we have a 13 year old boy who wants to learn science. You know science, right?"</div><div>"Uhhh, I guess so. What does he want to learn?" </div><div>"Don't worry, he'll bring his book. It's for two hours, tomorrow from 2 to 4. Is that OK?"</div><div>Not one to turn down A) a challenge or B) money, I agreed to give it a shot.</div><div>WHAT AM I DOING!?!? I thought after I hung up the phone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to today. Ohhh my, what am I going to do with a 13 year old boy, who may or may not speak decent English, who wants to learn science (I mean, I do work for a language school, so I couldn't help but assume he needed assistance in that department).</div><div><br /></div><div>About an hour and a half before I had to go to the school, I walked to one of my favorite restaurants (aka one with an English menu) and ordered this soup.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wide rice noodles in a slightly thickened broth flavored with a hint of golden mountain sauce. Chunks of tender chicken and plenty of Chinese broccoli (I'm still not sure what the vegetable actually is, but that's my best guess).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb4-DelHI/AAAAAAAABG0/FOup367yr_k/s1600-h/IMG_5409.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb4-DelHI/AAAAAAAABG0/FOup367yr_k/s400/IMG_5409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299641527052440690" border="0" /></a><br />When it arrives, I immediately cover it with red chili flakes (I no longer have any interest in food that isn't so spicy it almost makes my cry. My digestive system is still fighting me on this new development, but I won't back down).</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb5GF8eNI/AAAAAAAABG8/oww9Kr9AkFw/s1600-h/IMG_5412.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb5GF8eNI/AAAAAAAABG8/oww9Kr9AkFw/s400/IMG_5412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299641529210271954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>That fresh baby corn... nobody should live without the pleasure of it in their lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch I still had a little while so I went to my favorite cafe. It's popular with college students reading Manga, teenage girls gossiping and text messaging, and aging American expatriates, which is a weird mix but I still love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb5j20vPI/AAAAAAAABHM/Yk5xWfcN4FU/s1600-h/IMG_5419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb5j20vPI/AAAAAAAABHM/Yk5xWfcN4FU/s400/IMG_5419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299641537199914226" border="0" /></a><br />I ordered what I always do, a Thai Iced Coffee. I will NEVER tire of this beverage. And I used to drink my coffee black! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb5Ol1ZUI/AAAAAAAABHE/CichJkomLCU/s1600-h/IMG_5416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYwb5Ol1ZUI/AAAAAAAABHE/CichJkomLCU/s400/IMG_5416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299641531491509570" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>I soon realized it was time to get to school for this science lesson. The boy, it turns out, is half Thai, half Japanese, goes to the best International school in the area, speaks impeccable English and is pretty much a genius. He didn't end up bringing a book, so I asked him what interested him.</div><div>"Nanobots" he said.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Riiiight. Those are....?" He's probably thinking wow, my parents are wasting their money!</div><div><br /></div><div>"Microscopic robots. They are still being invented. I want to develop one that goes into the body and selectively exterminates cells infected with the HIV virus." Of course you do! Why wouldn't you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, I have a decent understanding of how the HIV virus works (thank you, Cal Poly biology department).</div><div>So, we figured out what the nanorobot would need to do by watching videos about HIV replication on YouTube. Then he decided he would disguise his nanorobot so it looked just like a red blood cell and the body wouldn't attack it. </div><div><br /></div><div>You know, just your average 13 year old boy Friday afternoon activity. </div><div><br /></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-78458085094884644652009-02-04T22:49:00.002+07:002009-02-23T20:55:14.602+07:00Beer, Thai Style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXFD6RFBWI/AAAAAAAABF0/KMOuVrAHrok/s1600-h/IMG_5381.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXFD6RFBWI/AAAAAAAABF0/KMOuVrAHrok/s400/IMG_5381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297857207642424674" border="0" /></a><br />I think the liquor license situation is a little more relaxed here than in California. And by a little, I mean I think there's really no licensing at all, or if there is, it's not enforced.<br /><br />There's a little convenience store on our street with a few tables out front, and there are almost always people sitting there drinking beer. You can just grab whatever you like out of the refrigerated case and bring it to your table. In moments, a bucket of ice with tongs and a glass will appear. <div><br /></div><div>That's right...they drink their beer with ice cubes here. I guess it makes sense considering how hot it usually is, but I just can't get behind the concept of watering down my beer and I think I'd rather just chug it cold than keep it cool with ice cubes, but I guess I can't really say that with authority until I've actually tried it. That's on my to-do list...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXFD4BGi_I/AAAAAAAABF8/GPmh2ny7POw/s1600-h/IMG_5384.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXFD4BGi_I/AAAAAAAABF8/GPmh2ny7POw/s400/IMG_5384.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297857207038544882" border="0" /></a></div><div>Those beers with the ice cubes aren't mine...they belong to two university students who hang out at the tables in front of the store all the time. Basically any hour of the day, there are a few Thai students and a few Western students (taking the 4-week TEFL course at the university) practicing English and Thai with each other. It's amazing how much Thai I've picked up just by sitting at those tables. Just buy the guys beer and you're guaranteed to get help with your pronunciation for hours!</div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-6917834765590597922009-02-02T22:38:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:27:37.188+07:00I may have a problem<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXC4fIdejI/AAAAAAAABFs/IwLBzgQBrNs/s1600-h/IMG_5372.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXC4fIdejI/AAAAAAAABFs/IwLBzgQBrNs/s400/IMG_5372.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297854812356704818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Phad thai. I can't stop myself from ordering at least once a day. At 30 baht (less than a dollar) at least it's a cheap vice.<br /><br />We have a favorite restaurant just a few blocks from our apartment that seems to be the favorite of a huge percentage of the university students, because it's almost always packed. And they have a menu in English! Score! (Except, they also have a menu in Thai that is much longer, and I'm trying really hard to figure out what is on it because I totally feel like I'm missing out.)<br /><br />I swore I would not be the typical tourist. I would learn how to order all the local specialties in Thai, I would branch out and try new dishes every day. I would eat at every restaurant on the street before choosing a favorite.<br /><br />And then about 10 days ago I found this restaurant, and I had their phad thai, and I realized that all the Thai regulars were also eating it, so it was obviously pretty decent (I mean, I know it's good, but that was the extra validation I needed). And it comes with this delightful dish of bean sprouts, green onions, and lime so you can make it personalized and wonderful. I've been eating it ever since.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXCd03nZNI/AAAAAAAABFc/Gh4lUXsbbMY/s1600-h/IMG_5375.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYXCd03nZNI/AAAAAAAABFc/Gh4lUXsbbMY/s400/IMG_5375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297854354335163602" border="0" /></a>You would do it too! I know you would. Those delightfully smooth and sweet noodles with the little morsels of fried egg, and the occasional muted crunch of dried shrimp. The pile of ground peanuts and sliced green onions that comes on the side of your plate just waiting to be all mixed up with the noodles, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Delightful.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I really will try something new. For lunch. And then for dinner, I'll be back at my usual spot, happily slurping up phad thai.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-13553704143614840162009-01-29T08:04:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:28:05.281+07:00Scenes from Chiang MaiI am having all kinds of weird emotions and thoughts right now. On the one hand, I think it is absolutely awesome that I'm living here, in Chaing Mai. It just sounds so exotic!<br /><br />On the other hand, sometimes I just want some normal good old greasy American food, and my nice little car, and to go for a run that doesn't involve some combination of twisting my ankle on incredibly uneven sidewalks, almost being runover by 20998 motor-bikes, inhaling unhealthy quantities of carbon monoxide and god knows what else from said motor-bikes, and feeling like I'm going to pass out because it is so hot.<br /><br />But, in all, I think this is worth it and I love my newly adopted city. Let me show you around.<br /><br />When I want to go somewhere and not turn into a sweaty mess, I take one of these handy red trucks. I still haven't figured out exactly what they are called...something like songthaew? Anyway, there are always hundreds of them all over the place, going in every direction, and a ride is about 75 cents unless you are going really far, then it's a dollar.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuCYKI1RI/AAAAAAAABFU/0MRubRLj5ok/s1600-h/CIMG1809.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuCYKI1RI/AAAAAAAABFU/0MRubRLj5ok/s400/CIMG1809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297057836353246482" border="0" /></a>Yep, the back is always open, and theoretically you could fall out at any second. They don't have quite the same liability issues here. And the ceilings are padded. It's a nice touch because the shocks on these...not so good.<br /><br />One thing that never ceases to crack me up is the obsession with putting clothes on animals. Every day on my way to work I see dogs in pretty pink tutus or furry leopard print coats. Doesn't this cat look absolutely thrilled to be wearing this soccer shirt? Yeah, he'd probably be much happier with a Chelsea shirt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuCGIXJII/AAAAAAAABFM/D9OY1Q1UpQo/s1600-h/CIMG1808.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuCGIXJII/AAAAAAAABFM/D9OY1Q1UpQo/s400/CIMG1808.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297057831513957506" border="0" /></a>I still love seeing wats everywhere I go. Wats and monks...you never forget how important Buddhism is here, and I like that.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuB5a3SuI/AAAAAAAABFE/UMTUr9CvHZs/s1600-h/CIMG1805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuB5a3SuI/AAAAAAAABFE/UMTUr9CvHZs/s400/CIMG1805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297057828101901026" border="0" /></a>The markets have their share of interesting foods. Like these sausages. I think somebody needs to tell the vendors that they will fly off the shelves a little more quickly if they weren't shaped like something so unbelievably unappetizing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuBu7EiaI/AAAAAAAABE8/8lliY2pP3gc/s1600-h/CIMG1803.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuBu7EiaI/AAAAAAAABE8/8lliY2pP3gc/s400/CIMG1803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297057825284196770" border="0" /></a>I'm sorry this picture is so bad, but I just could not resist. It's a plastic bag, obviously, full of LIVE FISH. I can't speak enough Thai to figure out what the purpose of these is, so if you have an idea, let me know. I don't think they are for eating (I hope...) and I'm not sure they are to keep as pets. It's a conundrum I must get to the bottom of.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuBRq4c1I/AAAAAAAABE0/Vvz8syMlhFI/s1600-h/CIMG1802.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SYLuBRq4c1I/AAAAAAAABE0/Vvz8syMlhFI/s400/CIMG1802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297057817431667538" border="0" /></a>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-8419846419299247682009-01-25T20:16:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:28:41.711+07:00Som Tham and a drink in a bag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxpp5BkwGI/AAAAAAAABEM/mjswr0rMk8U/s1600-h/CIMG1799.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxpp5BkwGI/AAAAAAAABEM/mjswr0rMk8U/s400/CIMG1799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295223430283837538" border="0" /></a>Restaurants here aren't like ours. Usually there is a glass case featuring prominent ingredients (which may be vegetables, fried chicken, roasted duck, or cartons of eggs), and a couple huge cooking pans (that look like woks) on burners off to the side. If you're lucky, there will be a sign in English (of course, then you're probably in a touristy area and the prices will be twice what they should be). Otherwise, you just have to point to what you want.<br /><br />Anytime I see a glass case shredded green papaya and tomatoes, I know I'm in the right place for one of my favorite Thai dishes of all time... Som Tham (or Papaya Salad).<br /><br />The peanuts sprinkled on top were beautifully toasted and made this salad PERFECT. A delicious mix of salty, tangy and spicy, with the tomatoes to provide cool, juicy contrast to the crunchy green papaya.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxppMlvMxI/AAAAAAAABD8/Jf0YlZR_G1Y/s1600-h/CIMG1795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxppMlvMxI/AAAAAAAABD8/Jf0YlZR_G1Y/s400/CIMG1795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295223418355921682" border="0" /></a><br />The man I ordered it from on this particular occasion spoke some English.<br />"Spicy ok?" he asked skeptically.<br />"Yes! I love spicy food!" I enthusiastically replied.<br /><br />He just kind of looked at me with glimmer of doubt in his eyes. I'm sure countless white people before me have declared the same thing, only to take one bite and protest, tears streaming, that it's too hot.<br />But since I've been "practicing" eating spicy food for months in preparation for this trip, I thought the level of spiciness was perfect. Of course, he probably toned it way down for me...but I still felt hardcore.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxppmRxh1I/AAAAAAAABEE/1WCYz87KKpg/s1600-h/CIMG1797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxppmRxh1I/AAAAAAAABEE/1WCYz87KKpg/s400/CIMG1797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295223425251510098" border="0" /></a><br />I loved the plate of vegetables that was served on the side of the salad. I'm not sure what I was supposed to do, but I basically just tore them all into bite-sized pieces with my hands and stirred them into the salad. It was delicious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxpqQ_5JCI/AAAAAAAABEU/uXI0Vg8_ewQ/s1600-h/CIMG1800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXxpqQ_5JCI/AAAAAAAABEU/uXI0Vg8_ewQ/s400/CIMG1800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295223436719236130" border="0" /></a>A few days ago I posted about ordering an iced coffee and being served the cup in a bag. Well this time, at one of the markets in Chiang Mai, I ordered an iced coffee and the person behind the counter scooped ice into a bag, poured coffee and milk over it, and handed it to me with a straw!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-13284199455246268892009-01-23T17:01:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:29:03.202+07:00The Train and Chiang MaiThe train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 14 hours - from 7:35 pm to about 9:30 AM. We went in second class, which means we paid $25 each to sleep in a car lined with bunk beds on each side. The chairs in the picture turn into a lower bed, and another bed pulls down from the ceiling.<br /><br />The "train attendant" (I don't know what the word for it is - the train equivalent of a flight attendant) was a lady-boy who wanted to be called Natalie and he was an absolute crack up. Sooo over the top femenine and animated! If you've never been to Thailand before, the lady-boy culture can be a little shocking, but you just get used to seeing guys dressed up and acting like women, and it is widely accepted. The best is watching a group of college-aged European tourists checking out a group of who they think are hot girls...only to realize a few minutes later that they are actually lady-boys. The reaction is priceless!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWoAqRAHI/AAAAAAAABDU/Z49e_xbU1vw/s1600-h/IMG_5361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWoAqRAHI/AAAAAAAABDU/Z49e_xbU1vw/s400/IMG_5361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294428451066937458" border="0" /></a>We bought some snacks for the train, including these delightful Nori Seaweed flavored Lays. They have a great variety of flavors here, including Shrimp and Mayonaise, and I plan on trying them all!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWopAf3cI/AAAAAAAABDc/Ec1QLZPzE4c/s1600-h/IMG_5365.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWopAf3cI/AAAAAAAABDc/Ec1QLZPzE4c/s400/IMG_5365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294428461897604546" border="0" /></a>We found a market over by our new apartment that had piles of these. Yes, they are what you think they are, and of course we had to try them! Once you get past the fact that you are eating deep-fried grubs, they're really good! Light and crisp, with a delicate barbecue flavor. I have to say I recommend them, even if it's only for the shock value when you tell your friends you ate them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWqLTe0tI/AAAAAAAABDs/wsKMfUOXu8A/s1600-h/IMG_5370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWqLTe0tI/AAAAAAAABDs/wsKMfUOXu8A/s400/IMG_5370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294428488283902674" border="0" /></a>Chiang Mai is a beautiful city absolutely full of wats (Bhuddist temples). They are everywhere you look - including right next to our hotel. I opened the curtains to see this impressive roof line. Bhuddism is everywhere here - shrines in front of every house and business, wats around almost every corner, and monks in bright orange robes walking all over the city.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWp9dK0YI/AAAAAAAABDk/EvRpK5dGCbk/s1600-h/IMG_5367.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXmWp9dK0YI/AAAAAAAABDk/EvRpK5dGCbk/s400/IMG_5367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294428484566438274" border="0" /></a><br />I love this city, which is great, because I just got a job for 6 months! I will be working part time for a language school, teaching small group lessons in English conversation and helping prepare high school students for the TOEFL exam (required to get into American universities). I'm very excited!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-18810797555761202802009-01-21T16:03:00.000+07:002009-01-21T16:13:26.085+07:00More Chinatown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC10CbTLI/AAAAAAAABCU/S425vuqW1MI/s1600-h/IMG_5337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC10CbTLI/AAAAAAAABCU/S425vuqW1MI/s400/IMG_5337.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292928954336496818" /></a><br /><br />In order to get to Pahurat from our hostel, we had to take the subway, then walk about a mile through Chinatown. It was a great chance to take some more pictures!<div><br /></div>There were dozens of people painting gold symbols on red paper for Chinese New Year...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC1rdey-I/AAAAAAAABCM/M3iAqDIh5pk/s1600-h/IMG_5336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC1rdey-I/AAAAAAAABCM/M3iAqDIh5pk/s400/IMG_5336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292928952034053090" /></a>then hanging them up to dry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC1aLoJ1I/AAAAAAAABCE/Auk8jWkroXE/s1600-h/IMG_5335.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC1aLoJ1I/AAAAAAAABCE/Auk8jWkroXE/s400/IMG_5335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292928947395766098" /></a>Stall after stall had decorations...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC08UKZAI/AAAAAAAABB8/9XGDTle13bU/s1600-h/IMG_5324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC08UKZAI/AAAAAAAABB8/9XGDTle13bU/s400/IMG_5324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292928939378500610" /></a>And of course, the usual food vendors were lining the streets. More plastic bags!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC0iydC8I/AAAAAAAABB0/Jx1tS4e21Iw/s1600-h/IMG_5322.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRC0iydC8I/AAAAAAAABB0/Jx1tS4e21Iw/s400/IMG_5322.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292928932526230466" /></a>Dozens of men had numerous different talismans on display. Shoppers would stop and get into very serious conversations about which they should buy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHaix_O1I/AAAAAAAABC8/AiVMRT088F0/s1600-h/IMG_5344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHaix_O1I/AAAAAAAABC8/AiVMRT088F0/s400/IMG_5344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292933983405816658" /></a>There was durian - which smells absolutely horrendous but actually tastes pretty good.<div>The big prickly green fruits are pretty intimidating. The vendor cuts them open with a machete, and pulls out the big fruit-covered sees. Those are the yellow things on the styrofoam trays in the front.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHaZbgZ2I/AAAAAAAABC0/-XjISCwQK5c/s1600-h/IMG_5343.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHaZbgZ2I/AAAAAAAABC0/-XjISCwQK5c/s400/IMG_5343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292933980895602530" /></a>Box after box of dried mushrooms...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHZpRxa9I/AAAAAAAABCk/KeiBqKbVIm4/s1600-h/IMG_5341.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHZpRxa9I/AAAAAAAABCk/KeiBqKbVIm4/s400/IMG_5341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292933967969872850" /></a>Even a whole table full of dried squid!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHZQhyVBI/AAAAAAAABCc/Bja9n2HnyJA/s1600-h/IMG_5340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXRHZQhyVBI/AAAAAAAABCc/Bja9n2HnyJA/s400/IMG_5340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292933961326154770" /></a><div>I passed on the squid.</div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-2211682596796804672009-01-18T17:50:00.000+07:002009-01-19T16:02:40.502+07:00Pahurat - Bangkok's Little India<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMPyfhbqI/AAAAAAAABA0/OwHFSaq26b4/s1600-h/IMG_5329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMPyfhbqI/AAAAAAAABA0/OwHFSaq26b4/s400/IMG_5329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292587452482023074" /></a><br />There is a Hindu temple right down the street from our hostel, and it is surrounded by a few Indian restaurants. Last night, we had such a good meal that we decided to try and figure out where there were more Indian restaurants in the city.<div>A google search led me to Pahurat, which is a collection of Indian businesses and a market centered around a Sikh temple. We made our way there today and were not disappointed! </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXQFFiBe-2I/AAAAAAAABBc/IyvcBt4PUTA/s1600-h/IMG_5330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXQFFiBe-2I/AAAAAAAABBc/IyvcBt4PUTA/s400/IMG_5330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292861054657690466" /></a>We had some naan, okra and potatoes, channa dal, and a salty lassi at a vegetarian restaurant. Almost every restaurant we came across in the area was vegetarian.<div>Then we stopped by Punjab Sweets, which had an amazing glass case filled with all sorts of delicious little treats.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMQJexPHI/AAAAAAAABA8/titZ5QGp0Bs/s1600-h/IMG_5353.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMQJexPHI/AAAAAAAABA8/titZ5QGp0Bs/s400/IMG_5353.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292587458652879986" /></a>This little turnover was filled with nuts and tasted a lot like baklava.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMQf7WsEI/AAAAAAAABBE/elHIfHBilew/s1600-h/IMG_5354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMQf7WsEI/AAAAAAAABBE/elHIfHBilew/s400/IMG_5354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292587464678355010" /></a>A view of the inside:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMRENFg2I/AAAAAAAABBU/uW3N4FKVvAM/s1600-h/IMG_5357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMRENFg2I/AAAAAAAABBU/uW3N4FKVvAM/s400/IMG_5357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292587474416403298" /></a>This was a tender cake soaked in rose water, and filled with frosting<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMQba7KcI/AAAAAAAABBM/M0tTTGSzshU/s1600-h/IMG_5355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXMMQba7KcI/AAAAAAAABBM/M0tTTGSzshU/s400/IMG_5355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292587463468591554" /></a>I bought a bag of candy-coated fennel seeds. I love these! They are like tiny little Good N Plenties!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXQFF1fqEcI/AAAAAAAABBk/od4d8ctm0kg/s1600-h/IMG_5359.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXQFF1fqEcI/AAAAAAAABBk/od4d8ctm0kg/s400/IMG_5359.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292861059884519874" /></a>They were from New Delhi!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXQFGPt3JBI/AAAAAAAABBs/e11QaaJDIHw/s1600-h/IMG_5360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXQFGPt3JBI/AAAAAAAABBs/e11QaaJDIHw/s400/IMG_5360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292861066923418642" /></a>We were commenting on how we always seek out Indian restaurants - we've eaten Indian food in a bunch of places in the states, plus Rome, Dublin, Bangkok, Chiang Mai... we just have to try it everywhere!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-77903426172683441702009-01-18T05:59:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:29:40.217+07:00ChinatownAfter my sample lesson this morning, we didn't have any plans for the rest of the day, so we headed to Chinatown for some food. <div>Chinatown in Bangkok is intense. Huge, crowded with people and packed with stores selling everything imaginable. The vendors are arranged by what they are selling, so one narrow alley will have 50 stalls selling wholesale shoes, the next will have all electronics, and another will have stall after stall filled to the top with bolts of every texture and color of fabric imaginable. </div><div>My favorite section is clearly the one with all the food! </div><div><br /></div><div>This man was hacking away at giant fish with an ancient cleaver:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXFDWoEKf3I/AAAAAAAABAQ/16tRM3mmgTs/s1600-h/IMG_5316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXFDWoEKf3I/AAAAAAAABAQ/16tRM3mmgTs/s400/IMG_5316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292085093128109938" /></a><div>This stand was making fried pastries with meat and cabbage inside: </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqcjVOwKI/AAAAAAAAA_w/tBkOADN_VqM/s1600-h/IMG_5314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqcjVOwKI/AAAAAAAAA_w/tBkOADN_VqM/s400/IMG_5314.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291846600913502370" /></a>The filling was wrapped up in two circles of dough which were pinched together, then fried<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqdJHtb3I/AAAAAAAAA_4/Hcpr2kkzlhE/s1600-h/IMG_5315.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqdJHtb3I/AAAAAAAAA_4/Hcpr2kkzlhE/s400/IMG_5315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291846611057340274" /></a>The end result was like a savory doughnut filled with vegetables. Super greasy, but it was pretty good!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqdcFq0zI/AAAAAAAABAA/fsJkRb4vyQ8/s1600-h/IMG_5317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqdcFq0zI/AAAAAAAABAA/fsJkRb4vyQ8/s400/IMG_5317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291846616149054258" /></a><br /></div><div>There were tons of stacks of Chinese longevity buns, which are shaped and colored to resemble peaches - the fruit associated with longevity. These are common for celebrating birthdays of the elderly.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpj-vlM-I/AAAAAAAAA_o/gkZNGFLild0/s1600-h/IMG_5313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpj-vlM-I/AAAAAAAAA_o/gkZNGFLild0/s400/IMG_5313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291845629019239394" /></a>There are cats and dogs all over the city, and even though I'm not a cat person, these cats were too cute not to take a picture of:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpjnbRZKI/AAAAAAAAA_g/SXCYDUreXkY/s1600-h/IMG_5312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpjnbRZKI/AAAAAAAAA_g/SXCYDUreXkY/s400/IMG_5312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291845622760039586" /><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpiym9cwI/AAAAAAAAA_I/8odoZ7ncJXY/s1600-h/IMG_5304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpiym9cwI/AAAAAAAAA_I/8odoZ7ncJXY/s400/IMG_5304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291845608581985026" /></a><br />We got our lunch from this cart, which makes duck noodle soup. You can tell the carts that make this by the cooked whole duck hanging in the glass case.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpjbJR3jI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/kzXtwnKnT80/s1600-h/IMG_5310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpjbJR3jI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/kzXtwnKnT80/s400/IMG_5310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291845619463347762" /></a>Some vegetables and noodles are put in a little basket then submerged in a big pot of boiling broth. After about a minute, they are poured into a bowl with a few ladles of broth. This is topped with some duck meat, and possibly a cube of liver. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpi_R6o_I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/5cRGqxZSnX4/s1600-h/IMG_5307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBpi_R6o_I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/5cRGqxZSnX4/s400/IMG_5307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291845611983381490" /></a>This big bowl of soup is 40 baht...or about $1.15<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqdtri40I/AAAAAAAABAI/85sd4rKeW2s/s1600-h/IMG_5318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXBqdtri40I/AAAAAAAABAI/85sd4rKeW2s/s400/IMG_5318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291846620871320386" /></a>Continuing with the trend of all things being put in plastic bags: I got an iced coffee today, and the lady put a straw in the cup, then put the cup in a plastic bag. <div>Also, later, I bought some watermelon, which was put into a little cellophane sack. Then that was put into a slightly bigger plastic bag with handles. I just don't understand the plastic bag thing, but I am going to be more aggressive about taking what I buy without the bag, because I already feel horrible about my plastic consumption.</div><div><br /></div></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7146142634853049644.post-39145481869326090532009-01-16T11:30:00.001+07:002009-02-22T18:30:00.897+07:00Change of plans...The other day we spent some time wandering around the fanciest mall in the city and came across this awesome Treasure-Island themed display, made entirely out of balloons. Kids were super excited about this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASOYkaW4I/AAAAAAAAA-o/c5g8sh6Qi-s/s1600-h/IMG_5280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASOYkaW4I/AAAAAAAAA-o/c5g8sh6Qi-s/s400/IMG_5280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291749600482974594" border="0" /></a>Outside the mall there were a bunch of displays about recycling, including a giant pyramid made out of Coke cans, and this tree made out of CDs:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASOBGG0iI/AAAAAAAAA-g/c1RAkmzTTco/s1600-h/IMG_5279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASOBGG0iI/AAAAAAAAA-g/c1RAkmzTTco/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291749594181849634" border="0" /></a><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This city is so much fun. I can understand why some tourists hate it because the air pollution is horrendous and it's just so crowded, but I thrive on chaos so I feel right at home!</div><div>One thing I love about the city is that you are never more than a few steps away from a food cart. They are everywhere, and they offer a huge variety of foods - served to you in a plastic bag.</div><div>Grilled chicken? Off the grill, into the bag. And the chili sauce comes in it's own little bag too!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASPTz2y6I/AAAAAAAAA-4/MKtjpIqEt9Q/s1600-h/IMG_5292.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASPTz2y6I/AAAAAAAAA-4/MKtjpIqEt9Q/s400/IMG_5292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291749616385444770" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Fresh pineapple? Cut into chunks, put into a bag, with a skewer to eat the pieces.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASPv7FlOI/AAAAAAAAA_A/8JSCmRwWxqA/s1600-h/IMG_5296.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASPv7FlOI/AAAAAAAAA_A/8JSCmRwWxqA/s400/IMG_5296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291749623931966690" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Soup to go? Into a plastic bag! I need to get a picture of this one - but it's quite a common occurrence.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is my favorite soup ever. I could eat it every day, and that is actually my plan. I haven't had it out of a bag yet, but there's time! It's rice noodles in a rich, meaty broth, with thin pieces of pork and pork balls. I'm not sure what the green vegetable is, but I'm guessing it's something like choy sum. <div>When they hand the bowl to you, you top it with a handful of Thai basil, a spoon full of sugar, a spoon full of some sort of soaking liquid full of fresh red chilis, red pepper flakes, and a little fish sauce. It's HEAVEN!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASOvc_EAI/AAAAAAAAA-w/cfCakijSlZI/s1600-h/IMG_5282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dFZpaPvx88I/SXASOvc_EAI/AAAAAAAAA-w/cfCakijSlZI/s400/IMG_5282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291749606625841154" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />And now for our change of plans: We have decided to take a stab at living in Chiang Mai! It's our favorite city in Thailand (that we've seen so far), and Mike talked to the guy in charge of the TEFL course at Chiang Mai University. With my American credential and the fact that I'm female (apparently there's a shortage of female teachers here), he said it should be pretty easy for me to find a job while Mike takes the course. We are really excited about this! We're taking the train up early next week to scope out a place to live.<div><br /><br /></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04986818638521144674noreply@blogger.com6